Officials said the batch is responsible for "epic numbers" of heroin overdoses.

City of Poughkeepsie police have reported approximately 68 overdoses connected to tainted heroin between Nov. 1 and Dec. 23, Ulster authorities said.

The culprit is a synthetic opiate called Fentanyl, which is being mixed into the heroin.

"Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that is estimated to be 80 times stronger than morphine and 40 times stronger than heroin," the statement said. "The West Virginia Poison Center reports that a mixture of heroin and Fentanyl produces an extremely potent opioid effect, which may include coma and respiratory depression and can be fatal."

Authorities urge anyone with any information that tainted heroin is being offered for use or sale in Ulster County to contact the Ulster County Sheriff hotline at 845-340-3599 or via email to urgenttaskforce@co.ulster.ny.us, or the City of Kingston Police Department tips line at 845-331-4499 or online atwww.tipsoft.com.

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In brief: Coast Guard says ice caused tug boat, barge to run aground

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